Gimp: Add and use a layer mask - Here's how
If you would like to add and use a layer mask when editing images with Gimp, just a few steps are sufficient. We show you how to create layer masks and then use them for your graphics.
Add layer mask in Gimp - so it'll work
- In GIMP you have the option of adding a transparent mask to each level.
- This mask is called "layer mask" and has the same size as the layer itself.
- To add a layer mask, click on "Layer"> "Mask"> "Add layer mask" at the top - a dialog then opens.
- In this dialog you can select the type of layer mask. The following types are available:
Types of the layer mask under Gimp - an overview
- White (full opacity): This layer mask has no effect on the layer. To achieve an effect, you have to paint the layer mask with black.
- Black (full transparency): Here, all pixels of the layer with the layer mask are transparent. If you paint the layer mask with white, the layer becomes visible again.
- Alpha channel of the layer: The layer mask adapts to the alpha channel of the layer.
- Apply alpha channel of the layer: Same setting as the previous one, except that the alpha channel is set to full opacity.
- Selection: The layer mask is added according to the values of the selection.
- Grayscale copy of the layer: With this setting, the layer mask is based on the grayscale values of the image.
Gimp: Use a layer mask - so go ahead
- After the layer mask has been added, a rectangle with white or black fill appears next to the respective layer.
- You can now edit the layer mask using the brush tool. Depending on the layer mask selected, the second layer will then gradually become visible. To edit the image yourself, simply click on the respective level on the right.
- If you have added two images to a layer mask, you can use the gradient tool to make the two images merge.
- Use a black brush to paint on the layer mask and make the background, i.e. the second image, visible and highlighted.
- If you use a white brush instead and paint on the layer mask, the background is made invisible again.
- In addition, images can also be combined with the layer mask.